Can't speak too much on other non OEM exhausts but from what I hear the PE exhaust is a much more understated sound; very "clean" through the rev range and aggressive sounding at high revs. Zero drone. I would probably check out video clips - if you can find them - of the PE exhaust verses others.

Most dealers sell the exhaust, but a bunch of people on here have bought it off www.getbmwparts.com. Then, how you install is up to you. There's ongoing debate about getting it done at the dealer vs an indy shop vs doing it yourself. Most on here will take it to an indy or DIY. I personally bought it from a dealer and had it installed there. They spooked me into thinking my warranty would be voided if I got it done elsewhere. In retrospect, I definitely could have got it done somewhere else but you live and learn.

Can't speak too much on other non OEM exhausts but from what I hear the PE exhaust is a much more understated sound; very "clean" through the rev range and aggressive sounding at high revs. Zero drone. I would probably check out video clips - if you can find them - of the PE exhaust verses others.

Most dealers sell the exhaust, but a bunch of people on here have bought it off www.getbmwparts.com. Then, how you install is up to you. There's ongoing debate about getting it done at the dealer vs an indy shop vs doing it yourself. Most on here will take it to an indy or DIY. I personally bought it from a dealer and had it installed there. They spooked me into thinking my warranty would be voided if I got it done elsewhere. In retrospect, I definitely could have got it done somewhere else but you live and learn.

Good luck with your decision!

thanks. it looks like i will be saving up and hope to get the exhaust for a good deal. hopefully done before 2012

Since it's a lease, I would just stick with cosmetic mods. When lease ends, you'll have the trouble of having to part it out and selling (or storing).

That's exactly what I am thinking, but now that I have had the car for almost a year, I really love it and am considering buying. I won't make that decision until the new generation comes out though and until like right before my lease is up.